Our People in VIC
Paul Cottier - Our Middle East Musical Mastermind
“As a Lieutenant Commander I was the officer in charge of the band as well as producer of the tour.
“I’ve been playing trumpet since I was 5 and now I’m commanding officer of the Melbourne detachment of the Royal Australian Navy band. This was my second Forces entertainment tour travelling to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“We performed a mix of old and contemporary material — truly something for everyone. It’s a great honour to be part of it — the soldiers get a good night of entertainment and a release from their day to day operational worries — it’s a nice break.”
“The Navy Band I commanded was made up of Naval musicians from NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and WA and, unlike me, they had never been to the Middle East before. Even though I’m a Middle East “veteran” I still shared their excitement and enthusiasm for the trip.
“Tours there are an experience you never forget - the size of the Australian operation in the Middle East is extraordinary and until you see it you just don’t believe it!”
This ninth “Tour De Force” to the Middle East brought members of the Royal Australian Navy band together with Angry Anderson, Tania Zaetta, Ami Williamson, Brielle Davis, the Wolverines and comedian Fred Lang.
Donating their time free of charge, Angry and the other Australian performers are carrying on a tradition that began in the Second World War, entertaining troops of all nationalities with shows that are distinctively and proudly Australian.